Talles Magno scored in the 87th minute to give New York City FC a 1-0 victory over D.C. United in a season-ending game for both teams Saturday in Washington.
Matt Freese had six saves for New York City (10-12-12, 42 points), which got points in its final five matches, going 2-0-3 over that span.
It was a drama-free afternoon as both had been eliminated entering the match. It was a massively disappointing season for NYCFC after they reached the MLS semifinals a year ago.
For D.C. United (7-15-12, 33 points), it was their seventh straight year without a trip to the postseason, which is the longest drought in MLS.
Playing his first match this season for injury-plagued D.C. United, Jordan Farr had six saves.
It was the sixth straight loss for D.C. United, who were without the services of goalie Sean Johnson and top scorer Tai Baribo (16 goals). Both underwent surgery earlier this week, leaving D.C. with only five reserve field players available on Saturday.
Mango’s goal came on a counter-attack following a shot by D.C.’s Andre Dozzell. Agustin Ojeda led the 3-on-1 transition opportunity, feeding to Benie Traore, who delivered a pass to Mango on the left side of the box.
Mango fired a low, right-footed shot just out of the reach of Farr and inside the far post for his third goal this season.
New York City generated more chances in the first half before D.C. took control after intermission.
Farr’s best save of the night came in the 26th minute when he tipped a left-footed attempt by Mango over the crossbar.
Joao Peglow was the top threat for D.C. United most of the way. Freese stopped two of his shots in the first half. Peglow had a quality chance midway through the second half which sailed just over the crossbar.
In the closing minutes, Farr stopped a right-footed shot by Jonathan Shore and a header by Traore.
–Field Level Media
